Complimentary Tickets

It all started when I received two complimentary tickets to the London Lightning game back in 2012. My son (I call him Ninja) and I went to our first basketball game.  We were not what you would call hard core fans. We did not watch or follow basketball at all. But that night was a turning point for both of us. We liked being with the crowd and cheering for the home team – London Lightning!  My son was impressed by how high the players could jump and dunk the ball. He had tried basketball through Spectrum with the City of London but had not really shown an interest. That year we attended a few more games and that was it.

 March 2012

The change came around October 2013 when Gabe Freeman followed me back on Twitter. I started noticing how involved he was in the community.  Through him, I learned more about the whole team and the London Lightning organization as a whole.  They had a very strong presence in the community and were constantly working on building relationship within the community and giving back.

I had gotten tickets for the game and when I mentioned on Twitter that we were going to be there, Gabe replied by saying to make sure to bring my son to the concourse to meet the players.  We attended the game but took a wrong turn and ended up outside.

November 2013

The next game, still being clueless as to where to meet the players , we went around and back to the stands and waived at Gabe asking if ninja could have his picture taken with him. He graciously said yes. 

Gabe Freeman with Ninja

As we headed out, we saw the line up and the players.  My son had a great time that night. This was his first time meeting sports’ celebrities and they were all so tall and he was impressed just being there and shaking hands with them. He was in awe!  He got lots of autographs on his London Lightning T-shirt and individual photos with the players. The players were super-friendly, smiling, shaking hands or hi-fiving kids and were just genuinely engaged with their fans. As a parent, I was so happy for my son to have such a positive experience in his life. We were bonding in many new ways and he was learning through observation and new experiences.

 

                

                          

                         

                                                    

London Lightning has thousands of loyal fans who have been with the team much longer than my ninja and I have been.  I’m sure every fan has contributed and shown their support in countless ways.

I made an effort to find all the players’ Twitter accounts. The London Lightning social media coordinator was very helpful to tweet all those who did have an account.  I followed them.  Social media is a powerful tool for the athletes to stay connected with fans, to promote themselves and their work, and to grow their network in many ways. The least I could do was to follow them. I noticed that most fans use the major London Lightning account to wish the team good luck which is great for the organization. But I realized what was missing.

A bit of background about my social media and sports:  I have blogged previously about my creative marketing approach that brought swimming events to Facebook and had three major groups with members from around the world. One group naturally was dedicated to Usain Bolt since I’m a hard core fan of the Athletics. 

I decided to put to work my social media enthusiasm and my creativity to make a contribution to the basketball team. The athletes were not getting much tweets pre- game to get additional support and encouragement from the fans. There were mostly general congratulatory tweets on the main London Lightning account but not much to the individual players. I had learned from my previous experience with the sport of swimming that sending positive messages and wishing them good luck was really important to the psyche of the athletes.

I started tweeting messages of good luck, support, congratulations, and at times motivational quotes using their individual twitter handles. And since there were lots of changes in the roster I needed to stay up to date.  After each game, while ninja was getting autographs I would introduce myself, welcome them to London, and ask them if they had a Twitter account and I would make sure to follow them right away.

I was glad to see more fans tweeting to individual players.  A comparison of how fans were tweeting in 2013 to 2014 clearly shows a shift of increased individual tweets to the players’ pre and post games. Hell, I even started to watch the game online and tweet about it which I’m sure drove my Tweeps insane!  

We started going to more games. My son adores the team and whenever we can, we watch the game in person or through live stream. We will always support the team as they support the people in the community. My son feels proud displaying his London Lightning stuff in his room. He wore his signed London Lightning T-shirt to school to talk about all the signatures he got. He may not play basketball, but he’s learning a lot from the whole culture of going to the game. 

                                

Ninja loves math and is fascinated by the players' stats. 

He interacts with other fans and high fives them. He discusses the game and expresses himself confidently. 

Thank you for giving Ninja a chance to be on the court!

I use examples from the game to teach him real life lessons. For example, when Zane Johnson walked away after getting hit in the face a few times by the Windsor player I told him “Did you see what a gentleman he was? He’s strong and he can certainly hit back, but he chose to walk way. Who do you think is the stronger person?  The one who hit or the one who walked away?”  We saw Garrett Williamson having a solemn look after the team had lost and a fan wanted to take their picture taken with him. He put his biggest smile on. I never forget that. Thank you for smiling when you were hurting inside. I told my son sometimes we need to show strength and smile even though it’s much easier to be angry. I also remember Maurice Bolden asking us how we were doing. “You guys doing alright?” he said. He showed genuine interest and cared to ask his fans how they were doing. Thank you for being you.

Ninja hanging out with the team on Kids Day.

We love our team and support London Lightning as they have supported the community and continue to do so.  We want all the players to know that ninja and I are and always will be their fans. We have met many great fans and have made new friends. My son and I are creating wonderful new memories, we’re bonding, we’re sharing,  we’re better together just by coming to the game. 

Ninja needs a few more pictures to complete his collection! See you Saturday night!

We Are Lightning.

Next time you're offered a pair of complimentary tickets to any game, grab it! 

Update: March 30th, 2014:

Some photos after our BIG WIN last night!

                        

                       

                             

Surprise photo of the night!? Coach Michael Ray Richardson! 

Get to know your team here!

Simply Let Go

As I read “Organizing is often well-planned hoarding", I smiled and clearly remembered myself in my basement in 2008. A lot of major changes took place that year.

Cleaning up the basement was always time consuming and I resented it. Constantly organizing and wanting everything to have a certain order was taking too much of my time. I had worked all day in the basement. Printing labels, organizing bin after bin, box after box, moving them from one end of the basement to the other.  I thought to myself, “Both my kids are growing up and I’m accumulating more stuff every year”. 25 years ago, when I arrived in Canada as a refugee, I had only one suitcase.  Now, I had a basement that was decorated with stuff and memorabilia taking space from floor to ceiling.  I thought I could be doing more meaning full things than being down there shuffling stuff around.

Then, I had a moment of clarity. Why not get rid of stuff? I started questioning myself. Why did I hold on to this stuff? What purpose, if any, did they have in my life? Are they improving my lifestyle in any way? Are they adding value to my life? I realized that it was more of an emotional attachment than anything else.

My clutter, regardless of its organization, was just clutter - sucking energy from me leaving me exhausted emotionally, mentally, and physically.

I became determined to go through the stuff and get rid of anything that I was sure had no use for what so ever. I started with the things that I had less emotional attachment to like my geophysics lab test that I got A⁺ plus on! I was proud of it but come on that was eons ago! What purpose did it have now? I snapped a picture of it and put it in the recycling pile. I did the same for the next two bins. For the other stuff, I started slowly with one box at a time. 

Sometimes I had to put some stuff back and re-visit again to make sure I could get rid of it. Usually this happened around my kids’ baby stuff that reminded me of beautiful memories and made me smile.

As time passed by, I became better at letting go. After all, I had learned to let go of a relationship that did not work after 20 years. I certainly could let go of stuff sitting in boxes. 

~ There is freedom in letting go. ~

A year later, I also had let go of my physical weight that was dragging me down to unhappy destinations. With my healthy lifestyle, I had been able to reach a size 4 and had piles of clothes that I had no use for and had no intention of getting back into. I had anything from size 8 to 16. I started giving them away to the women’s shelter. Lots of toys, books, clothes, and other stuff went to Goodwill or shelters. The basement was shrinking but there was much work to be done.

~ Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~

One day someone made a comment saying “I like the fact that you are a minimalist”. I knew the person was referring to how I kept my work area organized with absolutely no clutter of any sort. But I made a mental note to look it up when I get home.

I Googled the word “minimalism” and came across JoshuaFields Millburn (JFM) and his novel “As a Decade Fades”.  I ended up reading the book, writing a review, and communicating with him which led to receiving a few more autographed books from him.

One of those books was “minimalism – live a meaningfullife”. As I started reading it, I realized that everything I had done or thought about was right here in this book and much more. I was delighted to learn that yes, I am a minimalist and each minimalist is different from the next.

These are some of my favourite quotes from their book:

“Minimalism is a tool to help you achieve freedom.”

“Minimalism looks different for everyone.”

“Minimalism is a tool we use to live a meaningful life.”

“Minimalism is a tool to achieve happiness.”

~ In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. ~

I also learned about myself and how I am more confident in evaluating my relationships. I have learned to let go of toxic, gossipy, shallow-minded, two-faced, negative people who only feel good about themselves by pulling others down. I don’t have time to listen to their bullshit!

My kids are learning through examples as well. We prioritize and assess our needs and wants. Every few months, we donate the stuff that serves us no purpose. I ask my son “Do you need?” or “Do you want?” He is learning that needs are different than wants. He can still get some wants for special occasions but he is learning invaluable lessons in not allowing clutter to fill up his life.  We all have our vice. For example, my son loves his comic books and video games. My daughter and I are runners and love yoga. We eat very clean and healthy. We choose what we want to spend money on. We buy things that add value to our lives and have a specific purpose.

~ I don't own many things. But everything I own adds value to my life. ~ (JFM)

I still WANT some stuff in my life. But not stuff sitting on the shelf! Minimalism for everyone is different. I dream of having a small, ocean view cabin in a tropical island. But I really don’t wish for a mansion filled with stuff. I prefer to travel the world than having diamonds, clothes, and stuff! Everyone’s expectations and outlook on life is different. I don’t do fashion, fads, popular things;  I don’t have cable. I don’t read advertising. I don’t watch commercials. I don’t let society tell me what to wear and what to eat. I’m not pressured to buy the latest model of things. I’m a much happier person with not having a lot of stuff. I do what makes me feel good and happy.

Today, I reflect on my own journey to minimalism which started in 2008. I evaluate my life more often and assess my relationships, jobs, volunteer work, health, and my personal growth. Assessing and re-assessing is necessary for me to guide myself on a healthy path in my life and to stay healthy emotionally, mentally, and physically.

~ Minimalism is simply about stripping away the unnecessary. ~

Life is too short and my time is too precious to waste it on meaningless talk, destructive relationships, and those whose only goal is to bring others down. I surround myself with kind-hearted people who can lift me up, accept my love and reciprocate with honesty and integrity.

Minimalism is about a meaningful life. Every day, I make an effort to make my life more meaningful.

If you are interested to find out more, check their website and read their books.

I have been following The Minimalist on Twitter. Currently, I’m reading their new book “Everything That Remains” on Kindle. They have started their world tour for their new book and will be in London, Ontario June 30, 2014.  Register for free here, share with your friends and family and make sure to come and listen to these guys. You never know where your journey will take you.

Worldwide locations for Everything That Remains Tour 2014. If you are in London Ontario follow @ETRBookLondon to get up to date info about their book tour.

~ Much love to Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nichodermes of The Minimalists. ~

Follow them here @JFM @RyanNicodemus @Theminimalists

~ Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don't see it yourself.~

My Long Runs and Polar Vortex!

All of a sudden I was maneuvering acrobatic moves and sliding and eventually found my balance and a clear spot to land my foot without falling and kept running. My running buddies behind me said that was a close one! They asked if I was okay, and I said “yep”! And we kept going. 

It was a beautiful, sunny, crisp, icy and cold day for our Sunday long run.  I was feeling great and loved seeing a lot of people running, smiling, and saying good morning. The run had started pretty well with the four of us and our pace was anywhere between 5 to 5:30. Heading west and then south the wind was behind us which helped a lot that morning (Wind Chill of -23). We were to complete 26K.

January 2014 - London Ontario Canada

Around 12K I started feeling a bit tired and I remembered the same had happened last week and it was short-lived and I was back at it full force. I made a mental note and kept pushing through telling myself just get through the next couple of kilometers and I’ll be fine. I told the other two to go ahead as I planned to run a bit slower. I waited for the fourth person to join me and I told her that I didn’t feel 100%. So, I took easy.  She said she also was not feeling it today and her goal was just to finish the run.

At this point we were heading north and the wind just slapping my face and the wet running gear touching me felt extremely cold. At some point the two ahead of us took off, I’m in the middle and I kept glancing back to make sure she’s not too far behind.  As we started heading east the wind and cold became nasty and I just kept telling myself that I can get through this, but my body had slowed down so much.

Far away I saw Devin, another team member, who is really fast! He yelled at me, “come on, Mahnaz, you can do it”! I was happy to see him. I told myself, as long as I have him in my view I can keep going. He stopped to fix his laces and I got to him and it was only then when I started talking to him that I realized my face was frozen and I was so slow to talk to him. I told him I think maybe I did too much yesterday and that’s why I’m so slow. He started talking to me about not giving up and ….can’t remember what he was saying…

I started running again but it wasn’t running. I was simply dragging one leg in front of the other. I told myself I’m going to get the bathroom (thankfully the city opened them up last week!) and get warmed up.  I started stumbling and could not keep moving on a straight line. I was dizzy. I was cold. I started feeling numb in my hands with sharp needle-like pain in my finger nails. Devin caught up with me and said “Are you OK?” I said yes. Just keep going I’m going to the bathroom. This was my first mistake. I did not want to hold him back. I did not want to be an obstacle to his run. But I should have told him I need help. 

As I’m going to the bathroom I see the fourth person from our team and told her that I ‘m going to the bathroom, so she knew where I was. She said “Do you need help?” Again, I said no, I’m good. I thought I can do this. I go to the bathroom and hardly can do anything with my frozen hands and dizzy head. I sat on the floor, closed my eyes and slowly took off my gloves (double gloves! since my near frost bite incident a few weeks ago). I don’t know how long I stayed there. But I headed out determined to get the run done and get over this extreme cold.

As soon as I stepped out, the cold wind swept through me and I realized how weak I was and I couldn’t handle it. But I kept running thinking I should always have my house key in my pocket. I could have gone home now. Then I would tell myself don’t be so weak, snap out it. Be strong and just keep going. But I could not run - I was dragging myself. I decided to exit the park and head to the street thinking I can get to my ex’s place and ask him for a ride to the Running Room where I have left my wallet, and cell phone in a secure place! I started walking towards his place but my body was shutting down very quickly. I felt scared, stressed out, and hopeless that I’m not going to make it to his place. I only managed to complete 18.5K.

I see a police car and I wave at him; he stops for me and rolls his window down. I try to tell him I need help but my words are not complete and my mouth is opening and closing just like someone who has a speech impediment. He looks at me and says “Excuse me what did you say”. And I try my hardest again to tell him that I’m a runner and I’m freezing and need help. I manage to tell him I need to get back to the Running Room. He says he’s on call and starts talking on his radio. I ask him to call a cab for me. He does and then asks me “Are you OK?” Stupid me I say yes, Instead of saying NO. Take me with you somewhere warm now. He leaves and I drag my body again across street and wait for the cab. It seemed like a very long time before the cabby showed up. Every car that passes by gives me a look. They see tears running down my face, with my hands tucked under my arm, and obviously distressed to the max but they just keep driving. I never knew how lonely and isolated someone could feel right in the heart of the city.

The taxi shows up and I wave to him yelling and crying with my slurry speech saying  “Yooooour Lattttttttte” and I repeat myself crying saying you’re late. I sit in the back seat and cry just like a child into my hands and the poor driver is freaking out saying so sorry…so sorry…OK…I wait….I only take a breath to say head downtown towards Richmond as I don’t see myself capable of talking. I cry and he gives me tissue. He puts his heater on high. And I just want to cry and I’m shivering.  I try to stop crying and compose myself but each little conversation with him ends up with me crying.

Finally we get to the Running Room. As I go in to get my stuff, Devin says “Mahnaz, you made it” and I say “No. Not really. I cabbed again”. Eric comes to help me with my bag and he walks me to the cab, I pay him and go back in. Eric is one of the Running Room instructors. He asks me to sit and grabs me a cup of water and a Cliff Bar which I have to say was very delicious. He starts warming up my hands one by one. John Paul, the manager who runs with our group just gets in and starts rubbing my shoulder. Karen our group leader gets in and says I know it was way too cold and hugs me. Some other runners come in and they all express their feelings about the run and how cold it was.What nobody knows is what I have been through just now. Well, I’m always cold but today was different. My body shivers intermittently, and I don’t see a point staying in my wet clothes and I don’t see myself fit to go to my usual yoga class. Karen gives me her dry mittens which helps a lot. I thank them and leave. I was grateful for their love and support.. 

I start my car, teeth start chattering. I have never had that experience before.  My only thoughts were to get home as soon as possible. I got home, removed the cold, wet clothes. Fixed myself my fav breakfast (oat meal with raisin and walnuts) and tea, and crawled into my bed with my hot water bottle. I cried a good cry and decided that I hate running in sub zero temperatures and I won’t be doing any Sunday long runs as long as the temperature is like this.

Then, of course being really frustrated with the long, bitter cold winter I tweeted about my experience:

Immediately I had replies of support and encouragement from #TYS10K, my digital running buddies which were very comforting. 

I also noticed on my timeline tweets like "Running is tough guys...." showing Mo Farah falling! or "Mo Farah collapses after finishing second in New York half-marathon".

I noticed a lot of elite runners expressing how bitter cold the day has been. It made me feel a bit better about my experience as I was judging myself for being too weak. Then I tweeted this: 

I always need to reflect on my day and analyze what has happened. I started searching hypothermia online   and if some people are more susceptible to it than others. I've been in Canada for 25 years and I have adapted to the Canadian winter. My body has not adapted for the combination of Polar Vortex and long runs. 

January 22, 2014 ; -23 degree ; 6K run

What I have learned from this experience that can help someone else too:

*Have Your IBC: Id, bus ticket (cash/passes/...), Cell: I have my phone, id, & a bus ticket with me when I’m running by myself. From now on, I will do the same during group runs as I may wander off confused by myself and needing to get home asap!

*Ask for Help: I had several opportunities to ask for help but did not. I have been on my own so long that asking for help is not second nature to me. I always think of others before me. But I need to learn to ask for help when I’m in trouble right away. I should not be embarrassed by my own vulnerability.

*Be Honest and share your temporary defeats and triumphs: I have been running since 2008 casually, but started running seriously since July 2013. I have been educating myself and learning more about the sport through research, books, and following runners, coaches and exports on Twitter. This is my first Canadian winter running and the Polar Vortex has not helped a rookie like me. I’ve learned about proper winter gear (but I’m always cold regardless!), proper hydration, proper diet for runners, and done my best to stay strong and encouraged to get through the difficult training. If you are new to the sport of running, don’t hesitate to ask questions and share your moments of defeat and triumph online with others as you not only teach others about your experience but also receive lots of support that you need to carry you further.  

*Don’t Do Drugs and Run: Well, certain drugs in extreme cold weather!  Google can provide you lots of info about hypothermia.  Reading about it from WebMD, I came across something and that immediately shed light on why my day had swirled into the chaos that it did. That morning I had taken one 400mg Ibuprofen for some aches and pains. And guess what? Ibuprofen can increase risk of hypothermia.  I had done everything right and the same as every week before, but today I had taken a pill. I certainly won’t be repeating the same mistake twice.

*Know Your Body and accept that you are different:  YIN/YANG – I’m strong and weak. I know my body can handle minus 30s for short runs up to 7K. I have learned my body does do well for long runs of minus 30s. I love the beauty in nature and the stillness of everything amidst the quiet, cold winter days. But I absolutely cannot stand long winter months. What gets me through it is my imagination and love of palm trees and warm tropical temperatures. But every day I put that gear on knowing my weaknesses and strengths and keep moving forward.

If you are a single runner, adventurer, 40 plus, living in a tropical island and looking for a partner look me up! NOT KIDDING! @nomadicrunner45

All the wintery pictures are taken by me during my runs in January and February 2014.